A DROITWICH cyclist, whose son was born with a life-limiting condition, will be taking on a bike challenge for the fifth year running to raise funds for the Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Steve Clay, 42, has been riding in the charity’s Severn Valley event every year since its launch and will be saddling up again next Sunday (August 17).
His 11-year-old son Oliver has Dystonic Cerebral Palsy. Oliver, who has an identical twin, Ben, and five year bother, Thomas, uses a wheelchair to get about. Since he was four, Oliver has benefited from the care and facilities at the Three Counties hospice in Worcester.
Steve will be part of a team from Legal and General in Birmingham where he works and his brother Paul.
The challenge has three hilly routes, ranging from ten to 40 miles, enabling a wide range of cyclists to take part.
Entry to The Rocket – a 40-mile route from Bridgnorth to Bewdley, via Ironbridge – is £25.
Admission to The Tornado – a 20-mile route from Bridgnorth to Bewdly – is £20 for adults and £15 for under 16s.
And to take part in The Express – a ten-mile route beginning at Severn Valley Country Park and ending in Bewdley – costs £15 per adult and £10 for under 16s.
After the conclusion of each ride in Bewdley, all riders are rewarded with a scenic trip back to each of the three starting points on the Severn Valley Railway’s steam locomotive.
Steve, who does a lot of mountain-biking in his leisure time, said: “I enjoy cycling so this will be a great way for me to ‘give back’ to Acorns for the care and support they have given to Oliver and our family.
“My work colleagues know about my son’s condition and were keen to help me by either taking part or digging into their pockets.
“I’m not the only family member who has raised funds for Acorns, my wife, Sam has also taken part in events such as a fire walk.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice’s events manager Ian Carr added: “We don’t charge families for making use of its services, regardless of the ever-increasing costs involved and we rely heavily on public fund-raising and voluntary donations.
“The challenge offers a scenic, if energetic, day out followed by a leisurely train ride back and we hope this will appeal to cyclists of a wide range of abilities.”
Anyone wanting more information on the challenge or to sign up should visit www.acorns.org.uk/severn-valley-cycle-challenge or call 01564 825013.
Steve is ready for his 40-mile cycle. s
